With a little help from my friends

Dear friends,

The premise of this post may be a bit of a surprise to some of you, but probably not a total shock. I have recently begun coursework toward a Masters in Theological Studies and am exploring a call to ministry in the Episcopal Church. It’s a little weird to write that, but life is weird!

I’ve lived a peculiar life. I have been playing music as a full-time career since before I graduated high school. Music has taken me all over the world and has brought me into friendship with each of you. While touring from city to city I’ve tried to make it a point to get out of the dingy clubs that we play in night after night to see and appreciate the architecture, food and beer, and distinct beauty that each place has to offer. I remember biking from a club in Cologne, Germany over the Rhine River to see the awe-inspiring Cathedral, right as the sun was setting. I stumbled upon one of my now-favorite beers, Pliny the Elder, after a Divine Liturgy while recording in Northern California. Once, while in Chicago for Lollapalooza, a nun at evening prayer assumed I was homeless (long hair and beard didn’t help) and offered me food, even though I actually happened to be on my way to dinner at Graham Elliot’s (two Michelin-star) restaurant, by invitation of the chef! Not bragging—just good irony!

          
Have you noticed a theme? As I’ve travelled across the country and the world I’ve found myself drawn to beautiful churches, and more importantly to what was going on inside of them. More often than not these were Episcopal or Anglican churches. I was raised a Christian, but through these experiences I rediscovered my faith in the catholic tradition of the Episcopal Church. The recitation of the Church’s daily prayers has given me a sense of constancy amidst the inconsistency of travel; the Blessed Sacrament has been my sustenance amidst endless days of Taco Bell and truck stops. Thanks to the odd pace of tour-life, I've also had a lot of time to read. I’ve pored over the Church Fathers, theological titles, and even developed a silly interest in “ecclesiastical fiction.” Through the years I've had a growing sense that I need to explore why I'm so drawn to these things. 

I have begun theological education at Nashotah House Theological Seminary, an Episcopal school in Wisconsin, as a form of active discernment. I am currently working toward my degree in the hybrid/distance program. This brings me out to Nashotah for one-week intensives of lecture and worship every quarter. I do the rest of my studies from home (or while on tour). I am still working out whether God has called me to “professional” service in the Church. To be honest, that's a scary idea. One thing that gives me peace is this: clergy in the Anglican tradition are a part of the action, but not the focus. As a bass player I resonate with this. I am used to being part of the action, but not the focus! The heart of the Anglican ministerial role is pointing beyond one’s self, in love and service to one’s community, and most profoundly by giving people Jesus, in Word and Sacrament. I believe in a God who—strangely—wants to be in relationship with us, and to have us in right relationship to one another. 

Life is weird! But I am deeply grateful for the strange wonder of this life and for the chance to spend this time working out how to best serve God and the world. Thanks so much for your love and support!

You can support my education and training in the following ways:

·      Commit to remember us in your prayers: I can use the prayers! (I also accept good vibes, if that’s your thing!) I expect to be continually challenged and formed in my studies and ongoing discernment. On top of that, I am learning how to balance the new responsibilities of studies with a growing family. We are about to welcome a baby girl into the family on the 2nd of December!

·      Commit to following our progress by reading blog and mail updates: I'd love to stay in touch and I'm going to continue to post regularly on my blog. As you probably know, I'm always happy to grab a coffee or beer if you are around LA and you can ask me easy questions like, "how can a good God allow evil?"

·      Commit to supporting my seminary study financially: If you have the means to support me financially in my seminary education my family and I would greatly appreciate it! School is not cheap and we are self-funding. It will take roughly $15,000 a year to pay for my education and training. Your regular support in any amount over the next three years would be an incredible help, as would any one-time gift. Contributions can be made online or through the post and are tax deductible. 

With ongoing love and appreciation,

Jonathan, Amy, Henry, & Baby Girl
November 27, 2016
The First Sunday of Advent